The home of die hard Pittsburgh Steelers fans. It's not just a team, it's a way of life!

2016 NFL Mock Draft, v1.0

February 26, 2016 by Steel Haven



Round 1


1. Tennessee Titans - OT Laremy Tunsil - Mississippi

The selection of Tunsil would allow Taylor Lewan to move to the right side improving two positions on the line. Tunsil's consistency may be even more impressive than his incredible athleticism and agility. Barring a trade down which currently seems unlikely passing on him as protection for their investment in Marcus Mariota would be difficult.
  • Needs: OT, RB, NT, S, C, CB
  • Other Options: DE/OLB J Bosa, S/CB J Ramsey, trade down

2. Cleveland Browns - QB Carson Wentz - North Dakota St

Owner Jimmy Haslem has already strongly suggested this pick will be a QB. Make no mistake, the owner will still be making the final decision no matter who or if anyone is hired as GM or Director of Player Personnel to work with lawyer Sashi Brown, former baseball executive Paul DePodesto and new head coach Hue Jackson in what is shaping up as an incredibly convoluted front office. To be honest Jackson will probably have more say than anyone other than Haslam. Does Wentz fit the new analytic model? He was under center the last two season for the team that has won a record five straight NCAA DI-FCS titles. He has prototypical size, a strong arm and plus athleticism to extend plays or gain yards on the ground.
  • Needs: QB, WR, DE, ILB, RT, OLB
  • Hope might be available: OT L Tunsil
  • Other Options: DE/OLB J Bosa, DE D Buckner, QB J Goff

3. San Diego Chargers - CB/S Jalen Ramsey - Florida St

Ramsey was a 41 game starter despite coming out early, the first true freshman to start at corner in Tallahassee since Deion Sanders. He is an instinctive ball hawk that has also played safety and excelled on coverage units. His versatility should allow him to replace either free agents Eric Weddle or Patrick Robinson in the short term, aging Brandon Flowers as a franchise corner in the long term.
  • Needs: OT, NT/DE, S, C, CB, WR
  • Hope might be available: OT L Tunsil
  • Other Options: DE/OLB J Bosa, DE D Buckner, OT R Stanley

4. Dallas Cowboys - DE Joey Bosa - Ohio St

Bosa is an every down edge setter perfect for the strong side in a four man front. While perhaps not a dynamic pass rusher, he has the ability to get to the quarterback and make a difference in every facet of the game. Bosa should be able to contribute immediately. Bringing back embattled Greg Hardy seems unlikely. The Randy Gregory suspension creates a major need opposite DeMarcus Lawrence.
  • Needs: RB, DE, LB, CB/S, WR, DT
  • Hope might be available: CB/S J Ramsey, QB C Wentz
  • Other Options: DE D Buckner, QB J Goff, LB M Jack

5. Jacksonville Jaguars - DE DeForest Buckner - Oregon

Buckner's stock is on the rise. He is basically a much more productive version of former college teammate Arik Armstead drafted 17th last year. Buckner on the strong side opposite last year's injured first rounder Dante Fowler would go a long way to completely revamping the defense.
  • Needs: S, LB, DE, OT, C/G, DT
  • Hope might be available: DE J Bosa, CB/S J Ramsey
  • Other Options: LB M Jack, DE/OLB N Spence, OT R Stanley

6. Baltimore Ravens - OT Ronnie Stanley - Notre Dame

Joe Flacco needs better protection. He had started every game in his career before taking a beating last season and eventually landing on IR. Possible cap casualty Eugene Monroe has been unable to stay healthy since signing as a free agent. James Hurst fell flat on his face as a replacement before Kelechi Osemele solidified the left side after moving outside from guard. Osemele is a free agent. Stanley has all the tools. Like most young blockers he will need to refine his skills under pro coaching.
  • Needs: WR, T/G, CB, OLB, DE, S
  • Hope might be available: DE/OLB J Bosa, DE D Buckner, CB/S J Ramsey
  • Other Options: CB V Hargreaves, OLB/DE N Spence, WR L Treadwell

7. San Francisco 49ers - O/ILB Myles Jack - UCLA

Hiring of Chip Kelly makes them more of a wild card. There are conflicting reports over whether Colin Kaepernick wants to work with Kelly or get out of Santa Clara. Blaine Gabbert remains as a workable short term stopgap. For now let's simply take the best player available at a position of need other than QB. Jack is a freak athlete that was the only player in Pac 12 history to be named offensive and defensive freshman of the year. Excels as a blitzer and in coverage. Could play outside or inside in this scheme despite a lack of prototypical length. Suffered a torn meniscus in September, left school early to rehab with the Cardinals staff physical therapist in Phoenix.
  • Needs: WR, RT, I/OLB, NT/DE, G/C, QB
  • Hope might be available: DE D Buckner, OT R Stanley, QB C Wentz
  • Other Options: QB J Goff, OLB N Spence, WR L Treadwell

8. Miami Dolphins - CB Vernon Hargreaves - Florida

Brent Grimes isn't getting any younger and the depth chart is barren opposite him. Hargreaves started as a true freshman, earning All-SEC first team honors in each of his three seasons. Agile cover corner that also excels in run support and is a steady tackler. Has a solid, athletic frame despite being an inch or so shorter than ideal.
  • Needs: CB, OG, DE, LB, DT, RB
  • Hope might be available: DE D Buckner, OLB M Jack
  • Other Options: DT A Robinson, DE N Spence, OLB J Smith

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DE Noah Spence - Eastern Kentucky

A top recruit at Ohio State, Spence flashed first round talent before being thrown out of the Big 10 due to multiple drug offenses. Resurfaced and dominated in the Ohio Valley Conference after receiving treatment for his Ecstacy addiction, has been drug free for over a year. Tough to project, obviously interviews are going to be extremely important. Some teams will undoubtedly remove him completely from their draft boards regardless of how well he comes across.
  • Needs: CB, DE, S, DT, C/G, S/MLB
  • Hope might be available: DE D Buckner, OLB M Jack, CB V Hargreaves
  • Other Options: CB M Alexander, DE S Lawson, DT A Robinson

10. New York Giants - DE Shaq Lawson - Clemson

Finished dead last in the league in passing defense, 30th in sacks. Jason Pierre Paul not expected back after last off season's fireworks debacle. He didn't have a sack anyway after returning. The high motor Lawson is an all-purpose, every down asset that has the power to set the edge against the run and quickness to get to the QB.
  • Needs: DE, LB, S, OT, DT, G/C
  • Hope might be available: OLB M Jack, DE N Spence, OT R Stanley
  • Other Options: DT A Robinson, OLB J Smith

11. Chicago Bears - DE/DT A’Shawn Robinson - Alabama

Robinson is a bit of a polarizing prospect. Possessing a huge, big boned frame he played all along the line in the Crimson Tide's odd man front. Used mostly as a 2-gap lineman to take up blockers and free linebackers to make plays. A projection as a backfield disrupter with the physical traits to develop into more of a playmaker.
  • Needs: DE, I/OLB, CB, OT, WR, TE
  • Hope might be available: DE D Buckner, CB V Hargreaves, ILB M Jack
  • Other Options: CB M Alexander, OLB E Ogbah, WR L Treadwell

12. New Orleans Saints - DT Andrew Billings - Baylor

Dennis Allen was retained as defensive coordinator after replacing Rob Ryan mid-season. The problem was talent, not scheme although the more organized, less mercurial Allen should be a welcome change of pace. Billings was the co-Big 12 defensive player of the year. A load in the middle, he would provide a much need boost to last season's 31st ranked run defense.
  • Needs: DE, CB, OG, DT, WR, TE
  • Hope might be available: CB V Hargreaves, DE S Lawson, DT A Robinson
  • Other Options: CB M Alexander, DE E Ogbah

13. Philadelphia Eagles - QB Jared Goff - California

Have a lot of work to do post Chip Kelly, not that they aren't better off in the short and long term. Could draft anything at any time because scheme on both sides of the ball likely to be completely different. Why shouldn't new coach Doug Pederson begin by adding his franchise QB? While Goff's numbers may be somewhat inflated in the scheme of Sonny Dykes, his touch and accuracy are unquestioned.
  • Needs: QB, OG, CB, WR, OT, OLB/DE
  • Hope might be available: CB V Hargreaves, OT R Stanley
  • Other Options: CB M Alexander, T/G T Decker, WR L Treadwell

14. Oakland Raiders - CB Mackensie Alexander - Clemson

A top 5 recruit coming out of high school in 2013. Starter as redshirt freshman. Fluid, quick footed athlete with the brash attitude needed by a top corner. Excelled in man-to-man coverage. Rarely challenged in the SEC, did not have an interception in college. Diminutive build a concern.
  • Needs: CB, MLB, S, OLB, OT, WR
  • Hope might be available: OLB M Jack
  • Other Options: OLB D Lee, MLB R Ragland, OLB J Smith

15. Los Angeles Rams - WR Laquon Treadwell - Mississippi

Travon Austin is more weapon than traditional wide out. The receiver position is bereft of talent besides him. Treadwell is a long, well built, athletic receiver that competes on every play and excels at catching contested passes. His failure to run at the combine has raised some red flags. As long as he does well at the Ole Miss pro day those concerns will be forgotten.
  • Needs: QB, WR, C/G, CB, MLB, DE
  • Hope might be available: CB M Alexander, QB J Goff
  • Other Options: QB P Lynch, DE E Ogbah, MLB R Ragland

16. Detroit Lions - DT Sheldon Rankins - Louisville

Never really replace Ndamukong Suh or Nick Fairly. Rankins is an interior disrupter that played all along the defensive front at Louisville. The talk of Senior Bowl week before being forced to sit out the game due to an undisclosed minor injury. Described by one analyst as the proverbial bowling ball of butcher knives.
  • Needs: OT, DT, WR, LB, DE, S
  • Hope might be available: DT A Billings, DE S Lawson, WR L Treadwell
  • Other Options: OT T Decker, DE E Ogbah, MLB R Ragland, OLB J Smith

17. Atlanta Falcons - OLB Jaylon Smith - Notre Dame

Smith was a possible top five pick before tearing his ACL and LCL in the Fiesta Bowl. Surgery supposedly went as well as could be expected, although rumors of nerve damage still persist. Obviously medicals will go a long way toward determining his draft status.
  • Needs: S, TE, M/WLB, C, WR, RT/G
  • Hope might be available: WR L Treadwell
  • Other Options: OT T Decker, OLB D Lee, MLB R Ragland

18. Indianapolis Colts - OLB Emmanuel Ogbah - Oklahoma St

Soon to be 34 year old Trent Cole was their only adequate edge rusher. Former first rounder Bjoern Werner is officially a bust. Robert Mathis has succumbed to father time. Ogbah shared the Big 12 defensive player of the year award with Billings thanks to an enticing combination of length, speed and power. Still learning the nuances of his position. Has the work ethic and mental makeup to reach his upside.
  • Needs: OT, OLB, G/C, CB, ILB, RB
  • Hope might be available: CB M Alexander, I/OLB J Smith
  • Other Options: OT T Decker, RB E Elliot, ILB D Lee

19. Buffalo Bills - O/ILB Darron Lee - Ohio St

Recruited as a safety, Lee started as a redshirt freshman and came out early after only two seasons on the field. He played in space as a run-and-chase linebacker asked to both cover and blitz in passing situation. Lee is similar to the man he replaced in Columbus, current Steeler Ryan Shazier.
  • Needs: DE/OLB, O/ILB, OT, WR, DT/DE, CB
  • Hope might be available: DE/OLB E Ogbah, W/ILB J Smith
  • Other Options: WR C Coleman, OT T Decker, ILB R Ragland

20. New York Jets - OLB Leonard Floyd - Georgia

Blitzed incessantly in Todd Bowles' first year at the helm in part due to the lack of a top playmaker on the edge. Floyd could be the answer. Lean and lanky, Floyd is likely limited to a 3-4 scheme. He combines a non-stop motor with an impressive burst. There will be concerns that Georgia’s scheme made Floyd like other edge rushing busts from the program. His ability to show speed, athleticism at the combine will be important.
  • Needs: LB, RT/G, TE, CB, QB, RB
  • Hope might be available: QB J Goff, ILB D Lee, OLB E Ogbah
  • Other Options: OT T Decker, RB E Elliott, QB P Lynch, ILB R Ragland

21. Washington Redskins - ILB Reggie Ragland - Alabama

The 26th ranked run defense obviously needs improvement. The SEC defensive player of the year, Ragland is a relentless, physical defender at his best sifting through blockers to attack ball carriers. Has had to play through some nagging injuries due to the violent nature of his game which has led some to have concerns about durability. Unlikely to be able to cover slot receivers or top move TEs downfield at the next level.
  • Needs: CB, S, ILB, WR, C, RT/G
  • Hope might be available: CB M Alexander, ILB D Lee
  • Other Options: CB E Apple, WR C Coleman, OT T Decker

22. Houston Texans - RB Ezekiel Elliott - Ohio St

Elliot's combination of size, vision, balance and intensity make him special. He has the work ethic to improve as a pass protector, thus becoming a true every down back. Arian Foster can't stay healthy. Alfred Blue, Jonathan Grimes and Chris Polk are journeymen at best. This pick really needs to be either a QB or workhorse back to give the offense an identity.
  • Needs: QB, RB, TE, G/C, NT/DE, WR
  • Hope might be available: QB J Goff
  • Other Options: NT/DE V Butler, WR C Coleman, QB P Lynch

23. Minnesota Vikings - WR Corey Coleman - Baylor

Charles Johnson and Mike Wallace were major disappointments last season. Former first rounder Cordarrelle Patterson never developed. Luckily last year's fifth rounder Stefon Diggs flashed top talent as a rookie. Teddy Bridgewater needs more help. The ultra-productive, undersized Coleman won the Biletnikoff Award before coming out early. He's an explosive deep threat with the leaping ability and ball skills to overcome his lack of prototypical size. There are concerns because in Art Briles' scheme Coleman ran a limited number of routes.
  • Needs: WR, SS, OLB, OG, DE, RB
  • Hope might be available: OLB D Lee, DE E Ogbah
  • Other Options: T/G T Decker, DE K Dodd

24. Cincinnati Bengals - DT Robert Nkemdiche - Mississippi

Nkemdiche is a disruptive interior presence with a myriad of off the field problems. He sat out the Sugar Bowl after an arrest on marijuana possession. The interview process will go a long way to determine his draft status. Mike Brown and Marvin Lewis have shown a willingness in the past to gamble on high upside players with off the field issues.
  • Needs: WR, S, OLB, DT, C, CB
  • Hope might be available: WR C Coleman, OLB D Lee
  • Other Options: CB E Apple, DT V Butler, WR M Thomas

25. Pittsburgh Steelers - OT Taylor Decker - Ohio St

Let’s go against the grain with this pick. Kelvin Beachum and Ramon Foster are both free agents. Decker started his final 42 games in Columbus and projects as an immediate starter at the next level either inside or outside. Competitive, high character team captain that won 50 games in his four year career. Powerful at the point of attack. Has the frame and natural balance to neutralize speed rushers despite a lack of top athleticism.

Secondary has been the biggest need for several years, arguably the last half decade. GM Kevin Colbert has drafted exactly one DB in the first round since being elevated to the top personnel position of the franchise back in early 2000, difference maker Troy Polamalu in a trade up in 2003. The last corner taken by the franchise in the first round was Chad Scott in 1997. Expect William Gay to be resigned. Colbert undoubtedly still believes in last year's second rounder Senquez Golson. Colbert, Mike Tomlin and likely before him Bill Cowher simply do not seem to prize the corner position to the same level as others.
  • Needs: CB, S, NT, TE, T/G, I/OLB
  • Hope might be available: CB M Alexander, NT A Billings
  • Other Options: CB E Apple, NT/DE V Butler, TE H Henry, S D Thompson

26. Seattle Seahawks - DT Vernon Butler - Louisiana Tech

Butler was unblockable at Senior Bowl practices. He's scheme and position versatile having played all along the line in multiple fronts in Ruston. Brandon Mebane is a free agent, improvement of the inside pass rush is needed even if he returns.
  • Needs: OT, CB, DT, G/C, WR, OLB
  • Hope might be available: OT T Decker
  • Other Options: CB E Apple, OT J Conklin, WR M Thomas, G C Whitehair

27. Green Bay Packers - OLB/DE Kevin Dodd - Clemson

Dodd started only a single season with opponents focused more on teammate Shaq Lawson on the other side of the line. He possesses an intriguing blend of size, length, power and athleticism. Admittedly a project in this or for that matter any other scheme. Combine should help determine whether he can stand up outside. Could legitimately add muscle/weight to be a penetrating 5-technique.
  • Needs: OLB, NT, ILB, TE, DE, RB
  • Hope might be available: NT/DE V Butler, OLB L Floyd, ILB R Ragland
  • Other Options: NT K Clark, TE H Henry, DE J Reed, ILB S Wright

28. Kansas City Chiefs - DE Jarran Reed - Alabama

Dominated as a run stuffer in the National Championship game and Senior Bowl. Reed was steadier and arguably more effective than teammate Robinson all season. Upside limited somewhat by lack of top athleticism, will need to improve conditioning to be an every down player. At worst a powerful two down run stuffer at any spot in a 3-4 line. Fills a need with both Jaye Howard and Mike DeVito slated to be free agents.
  • Needs: OT, DE, ILB, S, OG, WR
  • Hope might be available: OT T Decker, ILB R Ragland
  • Other Options: OT J Conklin, WR M Thomas, S D Thompson, G C Whitehair

-- New England Patriots - Forfeited

Penalty for deflate-gate.
  • Needs: OT, G/C, RB, WR, CB, DT

29. Arizona Cardinals - CB Eli Apple - Ohio St

Never adequately replaced Antonio Cromartie opposite Patrick Peterson last season. Apple possesses the height, arm length, build and athleticism to stand out at the combine. He is physical, aggressive and tough minded with experience in both man and zone coverage. Apple needs to become more disciplined both as a tackler and in coverage to avoid penalties.
  • Needs: OLB, G/C, CB, DE/NT, ILB, QB
  • Hope might be available: OLB/DE K Dodd
  • Other Options: DE J Bullard, OLB S Calhoun, G C Whitehair

30. Carolina Panthers - OT Jack Conklin - Michigan St

Conklin was a late bloomer that walked on and after taking a redshirt started 38 career games in 3 seasons before coming out early. The offensive line was exposed in the Super Bowl and a harried Cam Newton struggled as a result. The powerful, long armed, wide bodied Conklin is a somewhat limited athlete that has a chance to stick on the left side because he will not be outworked or outthought.
  • Needs: OT, SS, CB, DE, WR, RB
  • Hope might be available: CB E Apple, DE K Dodd
  • Other Options: DE J Bullard, CB K Fuller, WR M Thomas

31. Denver Broncos - DE Jonathon Bullard - Florida

Malik Jackson is a free agent and depth is lacking along the defensive front even with him on the roster. Bullard is a scheme versatile, two-gap edge setter that can move inside on passing downs. Staying in school for his senior season and showing the ability to also get into the backfield to make plays really improved his stock.
  • Needs: OT, G/C, TE, ILB, DE, QB
  • Hope might be available: OT J Conklin
  • Other Options: OT S Coleman, TE H Henry, G C Whitehair, ILB S Wright
Like this? Share it with friends:
Your opinion counts so voice it!! There are 2 comments on this article in the fan forums. Join the discussion.
Don't have an account? Sign up now (it's free)